• On Wednesday the Commons debated the control of aliens.
Mr. Joynson-Hicks demanded much more drastic measures. Mr. McKenna replied that since November 11th control had been entirely in the hands of the War Office, and Lord Kitchener was unwilling to give up his responsibility. He asked the House to agree with him that nationality was not an offence. Mr. Boner Law, while accepting fully the principle that nationality was no offence, pointed out that espionage had never been an rampant as in this war. An alien should at least be regarded with suspicion—on the principle that be would help his country if he could. Mr. Boner Law's speech was thoroughly temperate and sensible. He asked for prudent watchfulness without persecution. Many startling statements were made by other speakers about the prevalence of spying. The Government had nothing definite to say in reply. But although this was not satisfactory, we must add that it is very unfair continually to make personal attacks on Mr. McKenna if he is not really responsible. Lord Kitchener is a powerful and popular personality, and so the ',alters wisely leave him alone. As we do not know the facts, we can only Lope that the military authorities are quite alive to the situation. If they are not, the debate of Wednesday should enlighten them.
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